Counting down the days to tipoff previewing the incoming freshmen of the Atlantic 10. Today’s installment features the VCU Rams.
Welcome to the A-10. The Rams finished second in the Colonial Athletic Association last year going 15-3 in conference play and 29-7 for the season. Those marks earned a spot in the NCAA Tournament. VCU advanced to the round of 32 before falling to Indiana.
Shaka Smart and his staff welcome two freshmen to campus: Melvin Johnson and Justin Tuoyo.
Melvin Johnson 6’3” 195lbs. G Bronx, N.Y./ St. Benedict’s Prep (N.J.)
Consensus top-100 guard out of St. Benedict’s Prep in Newark, N.J. Rated four stars by every major recruiting service and ranked as high as the 76th-best player in the Class of 2012 by Scout.com. Scout also ranks Johnson as the 14th-best incoming shooting guard in the country. As a senior, he helped lead St. Benedict’s to a 35-3 record and a top-20 ranking by USA Today. During that year, he averaged 20.8 points and knocked down 82 three-point field goals. As a member of the Long Island Lightning AAU squad in 2011, Johnson earned MVP of the Hoop Group Elite Camp Session I. Began his prep career at famed Rice High School in Harlem, but moved to St. Benedict’s when the school closed. Originally a University of Miami signee, Johnson picked VCU over a host of suitors following the reopening of his recruitment. Marquette, Georgetown, Villanova and Dayton were among those interested in Johnson.
What they’re saying about Melvin Johnson – Jay Gomes/NJHoops.com: “We had Melvin as the second best player in the state last year behind Kyle Anderson. He’s a flat out-scorer with a quick release. He has great range. He can put points on the scoreboard in a hurry. He’s going to have a major role at VCU if not as a starter this year at least as an instant offense guy. He’s one of the best in the class last year.”
Allen Rubin/Hoop Scoop: “He’s a well-built two-guard. He’s a good outside shooter who can get to the rim, and he’s a good defender. He’s a real-good get for VCU. He’s from a real good program. Obviously, St. Benedict’s is a good program.”
Justin Tuoyo 6’9” 220lbs. F Hampton, Ga./ Lovejoy
Tuoyo was a major player in the state of Georgia and was ranked in the top-20 in the state by many of the major recruiting services. He was also ranked as high as 84th nationally. Averaged a double-double and earned All-State accolades during his senior season. As a junior, Tuoyo led his Lovejoy squad to the quarterfinals of the Georgia State 4A playoffs, averaging 12 points, 11 rebounds and five blocks per game. Drew recruiting interest from Virginia Tech, Memphis, Richmond and Georgia Tech.
What they’re saying about Justin Tuoyo – Fred Bryant/Hoop Scoop: “He’s a tall, lean, excellent shot blocker. He’s a real good defender. His big asset is rebounding and shot-blocking. He has a very good knack for letting the offensive guy make a move, waiting until the ball goes up and he’ll be able to knock it down and keep it in play. He’s a real tough defender. He’s a coachable kid with a good motor.”
Jordan Burgess and Mo Alie-Cox will redshirt this year and become eligible to play next year.
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